DIGITAL ADAPTATION OF OYO CULTURAL SYMBOLS FOR MODERN PRINTING OF FABRICS

This study investigates the digital adaptation of indigenous Oyo cultural symbols into motifs for contemporary textile fabric printing. Focusing on selected visual symbols of Oyo people in Southwestern Nigeria, the research adopts a practice-based research approach in which traditional motifs are digitally reconstructed using vector-based design software, and applied to polyester fabric through dye-sublimation printing. The study evaluates the aesthetic quality, cultural representation, and functional performance of the resulting textiles. Findings reveal that the digital adaptation enhances motif consistency, scalability, and production efficiency while preserving core cultural attributes and symbolic meanings. The study demonstrates the viability of integrating indigenous symbols into modern textile production and portrays their potential application within Nigeria’s textile fabrics, fashion, and other creative industries. Overall, the research contributes to the body of knowledge by reinforcing the relevance of digital textile design in the preservation and utilization of indigenous cultural symbols.